Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dango Cellan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dango , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I am so thankful to always have a fresh start in life. Despite the ups and downs, through the journey of life, and all the hard things we may go through, all the pain…… I believe God gives us a fresh start each day and His grace is enough. So I have a lot to be thankful for and even on the hard days, I want to keep going and see what other peoples lives I’m able to impact.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a professional drummer from Nashville, TN and have been blessed to have a 20 year career supporting great artists and bands. I’ve had the opportunity to be the longtime drummer for Grammy winning artist Scott Stapp, the voice of Creed for almost a decade. I’m also a member of the platinum selling worship band Sonicflood, as well as an original member of the Seattle Warped Tour punk band, Amber Pacific. I have gotten to travel and perform with bands and artists all over the world, from South Africa, to Europe, to South America, and the entire US.
Throughout my career I have recorded songs used on the radio, TV shows, video games, movie soundtracks, Monday Night Football, an album on Billboard Top 100, and multiple music videos on MTV. With Amber Pacific I’ve played 4 entire Vans Warped Tours, and countless other tours. I have also toured with the Platinum selling rock band RED, as well as Superchick, Fireflight, Manafest, All Time Low, Tommy Walker, Mark Wills, Craig Campbell, William Michael Morgan, Katie Armiger, The Swon Brothers, Josh Gracin, Deana Carter, and David Cook.
In Nashville I teach private drum lessons regularly as well as owning a studio and tracking drums for clients worldwide. I graduated from Belmont University in Nashville studying under the legendary Chester Thompson. In 2009 I released my first instructional DVD. I proudly endorse DW Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Promark Sticks, LP Percussion, Humes & Berg Cases and SeElectronics.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My parents are by far my biggest influence to this day. They have always raised me and encouraged me to live with integrity. Not to strive for perfection, but to always do the right thing when you have a choice. Do the right thing when no one is looking because it honors the Lord. So I still think about that in life, business decisions, my family, everything. I don’t always do the right thing, but at the end of the day, that’s my desire and my long term goal.
Maybe the second biggest impact on me was my college professor, Chester Thompson. He was Phil Collins’ drummer for 30 years, was in Genesis, Weather Report, played for the Bee Gees, everyone. When I was 19 and 20 he would tell me “don’t have a backup plan in music because it’s a tough career. If you know God created you to do this, don’t settle for anything else.” Countless times over the past 20 years I’ve thought back on this. So many times I’ve wanted an easier road and realized, this is where I’m supposed to be. Just keep going and keep having faith.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Probably my biggest challenges over my career have pertained to my health. To this day I struggle with significant knee pain from a bone disease at birth that has affected me. I have had 6 surgeries on that knee, including a bone transplant in high school, and a full knee replacement a few years back. I am constantly in pain when drumming, working out, or doing anything physical. I am trying to improve my health and I’ve been a consistent workout person for maybe 15 years. I could always eat better but the road is tough no matter how disciplined you are. Travelling is just challenging to find the time and balance, as well as available options.
I’m trying to rest more consistently though I tend to overwork and go too many days without resting. I have recently gotten married and trying to provide for a family with 4 kids as well as maintaining my career has been pretty busy. But again, I’m super thankful for God bringing me my wife and kids, and I’m so thankful to still be able to do music full time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: /DangoEmpire
- Facebook: /DangoEmpire
Image Credits
Estelle Massry Andy Daley Mark Allee Eli Guy Eric Sherman
